Agaricus General Information
Agaricus is a large and important genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species. Members of Agaricus are characterized by having a fleshy cap or pileus, coming from the underside grows a number of radiating plates or gills on which are produced the naked spores. Agaricus, Amanita muscaria commonly called Fly agaric or less often Fly mushroom, is a common toadstool that is highly poisonous and hallucinogenic. The original white-spotted red toadstool, is one of the most recognizable mushrooms and is widely used in popular culture. Though it is generally considered poisonous, Amanita muscaria is otherwise famed for its hallucinogenic properties. The active component in this mushroom is muscimole, which passes through the body mostly unaltered. Agaricus can produce visions and delirium, and is one of the oldest known hallucinogens. Consuming more than one gram of Amanita muscaria (wild and untouched) can cause nausea and a number of other effects, depending on dosage, ranging from twitching to drowsiness, cholinergic effects (lower blood pressure, increase sweat and saliva), visual distortions, mood chages, euphoria, relaxation, and hallucinations.

History of Agaricus/Amanita muscaria
A recent molecular study proposes an ancestral origin in the Siberian-Beringian region in the Tertiary period before radiation outwards across Asia, Europe and North America. Ancient Siberian medicine men used Agaricus to promote visionary states. They would eat the mushroom and others would drink the medicine menís urine and become intoxicated as well. This was a practice they found valuable because many people could become inebriated relatively safely and efficiently from just one dose of mushroom. These mushrooms were effectively used by the Vikings when they were getting ready to invade a land. The Vikings essentially turned off their fear emotions, thus gaining their reputation for their fierceness. The people of many cultures of Northern Europe lived in constant fear of invasion. Before entering battle, the Vikings would go through a religious ritual in which they would dance around the woods and consume Amanita muscaria. So the main reason the Vikings were able to fight without fear is that they were on drugs!

Mythology and Religion
Koryak Siberians have a story about the Fly agaric (wapaq) which enabled Big Raven to carry a whale to its home. In the story, the deity Vahiyinin ("Existence") spat onto earth, and his spittle became the wapaq, and his saliva becomes the warts. After experiencing the power of the wapaq, Raven was so exhilarated that he told it to grow forever on earth so his children, the people, can learn from it. Amanita muscaria is widely thought to be the Soma talked about in the Hindu scriptures, and at times also thought to be the Amrita talked about in the Buddhist scriptures.

Agaricus Uses & Scientific Evidence For
Researchers have found the Agaricus polysaccharide fraction (ingredient inside the mushroom) to have significant immune activation power. The Agaricus mushroom has also been shown to have a potent chemo preventive activity. Today, Agaricus is used as a homeopathic remedy for chilblains (an inflammatory swelling or sore caused by exposure to cold) and nervous disorders such as epilepsy and chorea where symptoms such as jerking, twitching, trembling, and itching are prevalent. It is also used for those who suffer delirium tremens (D.T.'s) associated with alcohol withdrawal, and for those with senile dementia. The therapeutic range of Agaricus muscarius has been found of service in the treatment of spinal irritation or congestion, and softening of the spinal marrow. It has shown helpful in typhoid fever, apoplexy, various affections of the eye, diabetes, hay fever, hepatitis, high cholesterol, skin diseases, ulcers, and obesity. Agaricus in recent years has shown to be a marvelous agent in the service of various cancers: breast, lung, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, prostate, and leukemia.

Agaricus Dosage Information
Agaricus comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products, but due to its strong actions, it should be used only under strict medical supervision. Please follow the instructions on the bottle, see your Doctor/Health Care Provider before and during the use of Agaricus/Agaricus muscarisu or any form of this Mushroom.

Agaricus Safety & Interaction Information
Agaricus is highly poisonous and can cause strong nausea until the psychoactive agent begins to take effect. Children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease should avoid taking this mushroom. Do not combine it with other drugs or alcohol. The toxic substances of Agaricus are water soluble and susceptible to heart. The mushroom cannot be de-toxified fully by thoroughly parboiling of leaching it in boiling water.

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